After a long, dreary winter, spring brings forth an energy that can motivate you to take care of things around your home. While typical spring cleaning involves purging and organizing, one should not overlook what’s happening on the exterior of the home, too — especially after months of cold, windy weather. There are several DIY maintenance projects that require attention, so get ready to spend some of those 80-degree days improving the aesthetic, safety and functionality of your home.

Check For Roof Damage: Water damage from windblown rain and damage from winds are among the top issues many homeowners deal with after the winter season. Even if you don’t see any internal deterioration in the form of peeling paint or water spots, it’s a good idea to inspect your roof — from surface flashing to eaves to soffits — for lifted or missing roof tiles or shingles. If there are areas that are just cracked or torn, you can apply a sealant under the crack. If you discover substantial damage, to include several missing pieces, it’s best to hire a pro. Check with your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers repairs related to winter-related roof issues.

Clean Up Your Landscaping: Now that the wind has calmed down & the bitter cold has gone away, you can get a better look at all those overgrown bushes and vegetation that needs trimming. Cut everything back and consider planting some new pieces to add curb appeal. Easy DIY projects such as planting a few small trees, lawn maintenance and adding strategic color and texture in the form of flower beds and shrubs has the potential to increase the value of your home by several thousand dollars.

Inspect Window And Door Screens: Now that window weather is here, you’re going to want to make sure all your screens are free from damage — large holes or tears can result in a home filled with flying pests. Patch holes or replace the entire screen if necessary, to include any broken, weathered, or missing hardware. Eliminate annoying noise by lubricating the hinges and closers. Its also a good time to hire some window washers (or DIY) so that you can actually see the beautiful weather happening outside.

Update patios & patio covers: It’s also barbecue season, which means you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors on your deck and under your patio cover. Inspect both spaces for loose or damaged railings. A lot of patio covers in Las Vegas are stucco’d but if your eve’s are wood & it’s looking tired, re-stain/treat the surfaces — this should be done every four to six years depending on how much sun & rain exposure there has been.

Power Wash The Exterior: Unsightly dust & mud from the rain & wind can make your house look dark and dingy, so use a pressure washer to give a good deep clean. If your home has wood surface or siding, inspect for peeling paint. To repair, sand the area of concern before applying a coat of both primer and paint.

Make sure you have the proper tools before beginning any project. Invest in quality staples such as hammers, wrenches, and screwdrivers of various sizes. While most of these projects are DIY, don’t hesitate to contact a pro if you’re worried about your safety or making a costly mistake. If you think you may want to list your home for sale it is always a good idea to have your local real estate professional come advise you on where to spend money on your home. An experiences Realtor will be able to save you a bucket of cash when it comes to home renovations. Where you put your money actually matters more than you know…

Call Daryl B Hanna with The Batchelor/Hanna Group 702-218-4585 with any questions…